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One of the Yellowknife-based Twin Otters is prepared for a trip from Resolute to Isachsen, Nunavut, during a recent sovereignty operation. The Twin Otters are to be replaced by bigger, faster utility aircraft within the next five years.

Search and rescue aircraft possible for North

Terry Kruger
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 22/05) - A plan to redefine the role of Canada's military will bring a new emphasis to the North that could include basing search and rescue aircraft in the territories.

The defence policy calls for a new commitment to serving Canadians at home and providing troops and equipment that can better deal with threats abroad, Defence Minister Bill Graham said Tuesday from Ottawa.

This "changed atmosphere" will see Canadian Forces Northern Area (CFNA) headquarters placed under a new "Canada Command" whose job is to co-ordinate the defence of Canada.

"It recognizes the need to expand our role in the Arctic and the new challenges of Canadian sovereignty," said Graham. "Defence's role in the Arctic is essential."

This "Canada-first attitude" will not likely mean more military personnel stationed in the North, said Gen. Rick Hillier, chief of defence staff. He said Northerners will "see a more active presence across the North."

Although the details of how CFNA will fit into the new national command structure have not been worked out, Hillier said the Yellowknife headquarters likely won't be downsized.

"It's just about right to do the job," he told Yellowknifer.

The defence plan restates a Canadian Forces proposal to purchase new utility aircraft that will replace the four Twin Otters now stationed in Yellowknife over the next five years.

CFNA commander Col. Norm Couturier said those aircraft will be bigger and faster than the Twin Otters and he hopes they will come equipped for search and rescue.

"It would cut response time by half or even more," he said. "This way, we would have a better chance for survivors."

It's not likely that search and rescue technicians will be based in the North.

He said military planners will visit Yellowknife in May.

"They will be here for a few days of discussion with me about the best way to go forward with the new command structure," said Couturier.

There are also plans for increased sovereignty patrols and possibly a "small increase into the Ranger program."

Mostly, the plan calls for increased surveillance of the North. That includes use of satellites, more patrols by updated Aurora aircraft and unmanned drones and surface radar at the entrances to Canada's Arctic waters. This will enable "a new command structure (to be) able to bring an integrated military response to a given area to maximum effect."

Money for the effort will come from the nearly $13 billion promised by the Liberal government over the next five years.

"It's enough to get started," said Hillier.